Winning boost for Valencia

Valencia produced a much-needed 3-1 win over fellow-strugglers Sevilla on Sunday night.

Valencia produced a much-needed 3-1 win over fellow-strugglers Sevilla to ease some of the pressure on under-fire coach Miroslav Djukic. Los Che's slow start to the season, culminating in Thursday's 3-0 home defeat to Swansea in the Europa League, had seen many predict one more loss would result in the Serbian's dismissal. But his players displayed their backing in the best way possible with a rousing display which proved too strong for Sevilla and their former Valencia boss Unai Emery. Brazilian winger Jonas was the hosts' star man, scoring twice with Victor Ruiz also getting on the scoresheet. It was another disappointing display from Sevilla, whose goal came from Kevin Gameiro. They prop up the rest of the division with the focus now squarely on Emery. Valencia came out determined to make up for their midweek disappointment, Helder Postiga twice shooting wide when well placed while Jonas shot over following a fine run and cut back from full-back Joao Pereira. At the other end, Sevilla were playing on the break but it should have reaped a reward only for Jairo to mis-control when clear down the left and Gameiro waiting unmarked in the middle. The opening goal finally came after 32 minutes and it was not without controversy. Sevilla midfielder Stephane Mbia fell to the turf through injury but Valencia played on, Fede crossing from the left for Jonas to slot under visiting goalkeeper Antonio Beto. Sevilla almost equalised on the stroke of half-time but winger Marko Marin, on loan from Chelsea, fired inchses over the bar. The visitors continued to press after the restart and only a fine save from Diego Alves prevented Machin Vitolo from scoring. The pressure finally told after 52 minutes when Mbia flicked on a right-wing corner and France international Gameiro was left totally unmarked at the far post to fire home. Valencia came again, Fede threatening with a clever chip which was acrobatically repelled by Beto. But Beto could do little when Jonas picked up the ball 20 yards out and swept a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner after 73 minutes. The match was finally settled seven minutes from full-time when Ruiz was left alone at the far post and his header looped over Beto and into the far corner.